Is it just me or have you ever wondered whether the media’s coverage of these two groups in corporate America, introverts and extroverts, is accurate? It seems to be slanted, portraying extroverts in a more positive light, being sought out as leaders, being included in statements such as the “sky is the limit” and “shoots for the stars”, and being what most people should strive toward. The term introvert has been depicted in more negative terms; someone who wants to close his or her door to the world, use solitude to problem solve, is nerdy and not as promote-able nor eager to attain notoriety. For example, have you ever met an extrovert whose goal was to become an introvert? I haven’t. How about an introvert wishing to become more extroverted? Yes, that I have heard of.Yeah, yeah, it sounds simple and you probably heard it before that the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” describe where a person gets their energy. Introverts re-energize by being alone and extroverts by being with people. But perhaps those descriptions are too simple and don’t tell the whole story…..As professionals we say that we want to encourage creativity, innovation, and inspiration. How can this be done unless we understand each other’s strengths and build upon them? How can we encourage communication within these two groups and foster an environment where we can work together and be on the same page? If you answered yes, or agree with any of the statements above, then this workshop is for you!The presentation will cover:*Why it is important to identify whether you are an “introvert” or an “extrovert” and how it affects our working relationships with one another and influences your corporate culture*How self-awareness can take you to the next level in your profession and feel more confident that your style and strengths will be an asset to you as well as in your career path*Techniques for networking, interviewing for a new position, acing your annual review, or moving ahead and growing within your current company or organization

Biography

Who Is Valli? ..............Valli Swerdlow, MSW, founder of VALLI Associates, is a certified Executive Leadership and Career Coach and a Personal Brand Analyst. She is an enthusiastic, inspiring and experienced businesswomen and solo entrepreneur. Known for using a creative approach with college students, professionals starting their career through to executives, she quickly gains the trust of individuals and team members while empowering managers and executives to perform at their peak. Valli is unique in the way she approaches her work because of combined knowledge she has mastered through her background in executive search recruiting, counseling, professional sales, client services, entrepreneurship, and networking skills.

What Is She All About?Research shows less than 50% of employees feel engaged in their work. Throughout her 20 years in Career Management Valli has witnessed this fact firsthand. For example, a client reported that their work, “…hasn’t been feeding my soul; is no longer igniting my fire; I’m having the feelings of been there and done that…..” Valli addresses this prevalent workplace environment as a challenge that drives her determination to show individuals a way to turn things around and become more innovative, inspired and creative in what they do, just as she is!She is Passionate About BrandingValli’s mission is to show clients that whether they are in a current position and want mobility within their organization to redefine their purpose, or are looking to reinvent themselves and find their passion somewhere else, branding is now an essential part of their value proposition and used as a differentiator. She partners with clients to create their own personal brand. This energizes individuals and leads to innovation and empowerment in the workplace, thereby avoiding burnout and increasing retention.

Background….After an 11 year international talent management career with small, and medium to Fortune 500 corporate clients such as Discovery, NPR, USA Today, The Washington Post, Tishman Speyer and Time Life, Valli Swerdlow transitioned in 2008 to offering leadership/career development services for individuals, corporations and organizations in virtual, one-on-one and on-site environments.Throughout her professional life Valli has empowered clients to be pro-active, self-reliant and direct their own futures by uncovering their true, authentic self in their career discovery journey.

Clients…….Valli’sclients are connected to a variety of industries such as finance/accounting, pharmaceutical, commercial real estate, non-profit, arts, technology, associations, as well as providing services to both Federal and State Governments.

In addition to motivational speaking engagements and workshops on career development and leadership she has passionately addressed university and college students (academic institutions) encouraging them to explore the power of internships to further their careers.Valli offers customized workshops based on client needs. A sample of topics include: “The Threshold Generation,” “Introvert vs. Extrovert: Business Strategies for Success,” “Finding Soul In Your Career Patch,” “Match Your Head To Your Heart,” “Multi- Generational Communication: Are You Talking To Me?” and “Baby Boomer Or Baby Voomer: You Decide!”

Credentials………Valli, MSW, received her degree from Boston University in Clinical Therapy; certification for Leadership and Career Coaching from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; undergraduate degree in Business from RIT, and her certification as a Personal Brand Analyst from 360Reach. She is also certified on a number of instruments including 360 assessments for leadership development. Valli is a member of the Institutional Coaching Federation.On a personal note……Valli uses her vision not only in her professional life but feels energized by painting in acrylics, mixed media and traveling to exotic/adventurous locations. She has visited the Amazon, Machu Pichu, will soon be on safari in Africa, then planning her next trip around the world. She started writing a children’s book during a recent trip to Thailand and began illustrating it, for the first time in her life, without any formal art courses. That inspired her in turn to use her talents expressively by painting furniture and then larger canvases.Valli is dedicated to causes centered around diversity, homelessness, and giving bro bono career services to those who have been economically challenged nationwide. She is a former board member of Metro DC PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender), where she oversaw all the support groups in the Greater Metro DC area, as well as becoming a founder and facilitator. She volunteers at AARP’s WorkSearch program as a Virtual Career Coach offering pro-bono services to support people nationwide in their career pathway. She has been a supporter and volunteered at Miriam’s Kitchen, a non-profit, that serves 200+ homeless clients a gourmet breakfast in Washington, DC. A friend of hers put up her artwork up on a website, which is her hobby: http://paintingsbyvalli.shutterfly.com .

Plan to join us after the meeting for networking. Many of us carry our conversations to lunch at the nearby Brookings Institution.

Attire is business casual, recruiters are often present, so we ask all Monday Speaker attendees to contribute to the professional standards and objectives of this important networking meeting.

Doors open at 9:15 for networking and the program starts promptly at 10:00.